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Championship Review: Wolves win title, Sunderland relegated

21 April 2018 19:37

Wolves confirmed their status as Championship winners thanks to a crushing 4-0 triumph at struggling Bolton Wanderers, while Sunderland's controversial 2-1 defeat at home to fellow strugglers Burton Albion sealed a second successive relegation.

Middlesbrough moved a step closer to securing a play-off spot thanks to a 2-1 win at Derby County, who remain just outside the top six as a result, while Aston Villa – who are at the very least assured of a play-off berth – thrashed Ipswich Town 4-0 on the road.

Birmingham City gave their survival hopes a big boost by beating Sheffield United 2-1, while Leeds United ended a run of four winless games with a 2-1 victory over manager Paul Heckingbottom's former side Barnsley, who remain two points adrift of safety.

There were also wins for Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford, who defeated Reading and QPR respectively, and Norwich drew 0-0 at Preston North End.

Those who do remain in the second tier next season will be joined by Wigan Athletic, whose promotion from League One was confirmed with a 4-0 win at Fleetwood Town.

Sunderland have endured a miserable couple of years and it only got worse as Saturday's loss at home to Burton - whom they would have moved above with victory - sends them down.

There was still plenty of shock at this defeat, given they initially went ahead through Paddy McNair and even held the lead until the 86th minute, when former Sunderland striker Darren Bent struck a cruel blow.

There was still time for it to get even worse for the Black Cats, though, as Liam Boyce secured all three points for Burton in stoppage time.

Sunderland thought they had levelled right at the end to delay the drop, but their goal was disallowed due to a McNair handball and that proved to be their final chance.

13 - Sunderland have become the 13th team to suffer consecutive relegations from the top-flight and second tier, and first since Wolves in 2011-12/2012-13. Nightmare.